Surface Demineralization in Enamel and Dentin Exposed to Mono-Species and Dual Species Biofilm of Streptococcus Mutans and Candida Albicans: In-Vitro Tooth Model Study

Aim: To investigate the surface demineralization on enamel and dentin when exposed to monospecies and dual species biofilm of Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans), and Candida albicans (C.albicans) through an in-vitro tooth model study. Materials and Methods: Eight teeth sections (4x4x2mm) were divided into 5 groups. One tooth specimen in Group 1 (Brain Heart infusion) and Group 2 (Lactic acid) respectively and two specimens each in Group 3 (S.mutans mono species), Group 4 (C.albicans mono species) and Group 5 (S.mutans and C.albicans dual species). S. mutans ATCC 25175 and C. albicans ATCC 14053 were used. Inoculation of the test organism was done only on the first day of the experiment and media was replaced every 48 hours for 30 days. Harvesting was done after Day 30. Specimens were analyzed on Environmental Scanning electron microscope (FEI, Quanta 200). Results: The dual species biofilm consisted of a diffuse, thick, densely packed meshwork of S.mutans and C.albicans with a predominance of C.albicans on the enamel surface, while on the dentin surface the biofilm meshwork was localized, thinly populated with C albicans and with predominance of S.mutans. The size of the S.mutans ranged from 788.7nm to 1.27 mu m and C.albicans was 1.12 mu m to 4.34 mu m respectively. The mono species biofilm of C.albicans produced lesser demineralization as compared to S.mutans. Enhanced demineralization was noted with dual species biofilm, more in dentin as compared to enamel. Conclusion: Less surface demineralization in enamel was noted as compared to dentin when exposed to dual species biofilm. The dual species colonization indicates a positive finding of curbing dental caries in enamel.